Horizons by Marriott vs. Sheraton Vistana Resort?

[momofmikey]

If given the choice between the two resorts, where would you stay? I've heard wonderful things about Vistana thanks to these boards, but now Horizons has been mentioned. Which is better? Closer to Disney?

Thanks for any help!

 

[spiceycat]

do you have small children?

then Horizons is great.

It is also much newer than SHeraton Vistana.

Sheraton Vistana is much bigger and closer to WDW.

I would go with the Horizons but I do love Marriott's.

 

[momofmikey]

Hi spiceycat,
My boys are little, 4 and 2. Honestly though, I'm not planning on spending a ridiculous amount of time at the resort (I'm an onsiter - first trip offsite - having some emotional issues ). How much further from Disney is Horizons than Vistana? Also, is there anything to know about Horizons in terms of building or room placement, etc? I read on their website that they are in the midst of construction.

Thanks for your help.

 

[jeff968]

I agree with Spicy, I have stayed at the Vistana and toured horizons. The units are larger at the Vistana. Horizons is located right next to rt 4 but i would say it is a little furthur away then Vistana. The Vistana is right on 535. You get on that and the enterance to DTD is a few minutes away. Your kids would love horizons. I saw the pirate ship water park, very cool for the little ones, and they have since opened up a mini golf. Either one is good. But i also like marriotts.

 

[jdm]

Horizons. I've stayed at both. Vistana 3 years ago and Horizons this past March. We loved the Vistana but you do risk getting an older, not so great unit. Our kids were also older than yours. The resort is beautiful but huge and the units vary widely.

Horizons is very, very, nice. No whirlpool tub in the master but a beautiful shower and a good size second bedroom with double beds. The villa had an open airy feel to it and the pool area is fabulous. My girs were 12 & 8 and even the 12 year old had a blast. It was made for little boys your kids age.

We had either #14 or #15, I can't remember but it was a brand new unit, very close to the pool (like right outside the door) and a big screen TV. I requested ahead of time as those were the two newest units and they accommodated us no problem.

It's a little farther to Disney but I think only about 15 minutes total time (depending on traffic of course) to get there.

You'll enjoy either resort but I'd go with Horizons for sure.

Jenn

 

[pat's mom99]

I have stayed in Vistana and have gotten and older unit that smelled like mildew. It did do the job. but I had to drive to go to the pool. It was closer to the World, but... I have stayed in Horizons 3 times. I love it (I am also a Marriott person.) The last time I was there the construction was going on but it was not a nuisance. They have a great pool. Huge Pirate ship in the pool. Lots of activities for the kids, mini golf, water park and playground. The whole resort is on a smaller scale so everything is easy access. You can hop on the highway or take the regular streets (we prefer to do this, it seems alittle shorter than the highway)


Also be sure which Vistana you are looking at. There at least 2 that I know of Vistana resort and Vistana Villages

Hope this helps

 

[momofmikey]

Hi everybody - thanks for the replies. My only concern with Horizons is the dining area. Not sure what picture I was looking at, but it seemed the dining area was small. Looked like some people sit on a circular sofa and then there were a couple chairs on the opposite sides - it looked very tiny. We'll be 4 adults and 2 kids in a 2 bedroom - would this be a similar layout?

Thanks!

 

[jdm]

Our dining area was not small. It was a banqette type of seating. We also had counter seating. Our dining table would accommodate 6 easy, if I remember correctly.

Jenn

 

[spiceycat]

here are some pictures from the Marriott website

http://www.vacationclub.com/resorts/ho/default.jsp

 

[Cheryl N. WI]

Hi We are new owners at Horizons. We went to their presentation in June without intending to purchase but the Marriott program sounded so good to my DH with lots of flexibility that after a few hours talking to our guide and debating we did decide to purchase. We did not stay at Horizons at that time (we stayed at Marriott Residence Inn right next door) but we toured the property and rooms twice that morning, once just DH and myself with our guide and then after we purchased we asked him to take us around again with our DD11. If I remember correctly the dining table in the units we saw would easily accomodate 6 but I think it was actually set for 8 plus as previously mentioned there is also counter seating, which is what my DD loves. The 2 bedroom units we saw were beautiful and very spacious and the large screened in porch was great too. We are looking very much forward to our first stay at Horizons in June of 2007 (we did a trade for next year and are going to one of the Marriott properties in Palm Springs before going to Disneyland!) when we will be taking friends with us, there will be 8 of us in the 2 bedroom at that time 5 adults and 3 children and I am not concerned about lack of space.

Good luck with your decision!

Cheryl